ASNR relies on a proven assessment process which draws on significant resources, including, first and foremost, high-level expertise to enable precise analysis of the different aspects of the proposed measures. The conclusions of this assessment fuelled the discussions of the Advisory Committees of Experts, whose opinions enabled ASNR to formulate its decision. IRSN’s expertise( 1) Between 2019 and 2024, at ASN’s request, the teams at IRSN assessed the significant volume of studies submitted by EDF for the fourth periodic safety review of the 1,300 MWe reactors. IRSN submitted around 40 expert opinions to ASN regarding the studies with the greatest safety implications. These opinions concern hazards, accidents, ageing of facilities and containment of radioactive materials. In preparation for the meetings of the Advisory Committees of Experts, IRSN also drafted four assessment reports on the following topics : • consideration of internal and external hazards • re-assessment of accident studies • control of core meltdown accidents • in-service behaviour of nuclear pressure equipment, and in particular reactor pressure vessels The fourth periodic safety review of the twenty 1,300 MWe nuclear reactors involved almost 160 engineers and researchers over a five-year period. Together, these individuals devoted over 180,000 hours of work to producing the technical conclusions that informed ASNR’s decision. A vigorous expert assessment process to support ASNR’s decision 160 engineers and researchers (1) IRSN and ASN became ASNR on 1 January 2025 Fourth periodic SAFETY REVIEW 8 • Les cahiers de l’ASNR • July 2025
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